Two years ago, Mayor Bruce Harrell signed two exclusion laws into effect in Seattle.

SOAP and SODA were meant to deter drug use and prostitution. 

Lately they haven’t gotten much use.

KUOW digital reporter Cornelius Hocker will explain why.

Read more of his reporting here.

Register or learn more about UW’s First Responder Wellness Summit.

We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. 

Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online or on the KUOW App.

Two years ago, Mayor Bruce Harrell signed two exclusion laws into effect in Seattle.
SOAP and SODA were meant to deter drug use and prostitution.&nbsp;
Lately they haven&rsquo;t gotten much use.
KUOW digital reporter Cornelius Hocker will explain why.
Read more of his reporting <a href="https://www.kuow.org/law/2026-08-19/seattles-soda-law-once-hotly-debated-is-now-barely-being-used-city-leaders-weigh-in-on-what-that-means">here</a>.
<a href="https://adai.uw.edu/first-responder-summit-2026/">Register or learn more</a> about UW&rsquo;s First Responder Wellness Summit.
We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. <a href="https://donate.kuow.org/donate/seattlenow">Tap here</a> to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed.&nbsp;
Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:seattlenow@kuow.org">seattlenow@kuow.org</a>, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or <a href="https://www.kuow.org/feedback">leave us feedback online</a> or on <a href="https://meet.kuow.org/question/">the KUOW App.</a>

Seattle Now is KUOW's flagship daily news podcast. Seattle Now brings you quick headlines, smart analysis, and award-winning local news. New episodes every weekday morning and afternoon. Start and end your day with Seattle Now, from KUOW and the NPR Network.

Seattle Now is KUOW's flagship daily news podcast. Seattle Now brings you quick headlines, smart analysis, and award-winning local news. New episodes every weekday morning and afternoon. Start and end your day with Seattle Now, from KUOW and the NPR Network.

Seattle Now

Two years ago, Mayor Bruce Harrell signed two exclusion laws into effect in Seattle.  SOAP and SODA were meant to deter drug use and prostitution.   Lately they haven’t gotten much use.  KUOW digital reporter Cornelius Hocker will explain why.